Amphibians correspond to a group of vertebrate animals with particular characteristics, since from the structural point of view they are between fish and reptiles. This characteristic allows them, generally, that double aquatic and terrestrial life.
Currently there are three types of amphibians, commonly known as frogs and toads, salamanders, and a third group called caecilians. One aspect of these amphibians is the presence of poison that, although they are not able to inoculate directly like other animals, does not free them from being dangerous. We invite you to continue reading this article on our site to learn about the most poisonous amphibians in the world
Golden Poison Frog (Phyllobates terribilis)
Also known as the arrow frog or golden dart frog, it is an extremely poisonous type of amphibian. This species is endemic to Colombia, where it grows in the tropical forest, specifically in the litter of primary and secondary forest formations. It is classified as endangered, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Adults are characterized by a single bright color that can be green, yellow, orange or white, although the most common is usually yellow. It is considered the most toxic frog in the world, despite its size being between 47 and 55 mm in length.
Its skin is full of substances known as batrachotoxins, capable of causing muscle paralysis A single frog hasbetween 1,000 and 1,900 micrograms of toxin and it is estimated that from 2 µg can kill a person. Scientists suggest that the toxin present in the golden poison frog is due to the consumption of a beetle of the Melyridae family, genus Choresine, which is one of the prey it feeds on.
Yellow-Banded Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates leucomelas)
This poison dart frog is native to Brazil, Colombia, Guyana, and Venezuela. Its habitat is on the leaf litter, on rocks, under trunks or fallen branches, near rivers in the tropical forest. It is considered least concern by the IUCN.
It is one of the largest frogs of its kind, measuring 3 to 5 cm, with an average weight of 3 g, being females larger than males It has a typical bright coloration of yellow and black stripes on the body, an aspect that is known as aposematism, which is the use of striking colors by some animals to generate a warning to their predators.
The toxins in this species are also accumulated in the skin and, although it will not be able to attack a person, it can cause deathif it is manipulated. Like other species, toxic substances are a product of food.
Discover more about animal Aposematism: definition and examples in this article that we suggest.
Rough-skinned newt (Taricha granulosa)
This amphibian belongs to the order Caudata, and is native to North America, specifically Canada and the United States, including Alaska. It develops in forests, grasslands and open areas, being on land under logs or rocks, but it can also be in the water. It is rated least concern
Its length can be between 12 and 20 centimeters. It has a skin characterized by being rough and with granules, dark in color on the back, but ranging from orange to yellowish on the ventral area. The toxin of this newt does not usually affect a person if it only touches him, with the exception of sensitive people. However, it is powerful enough to kill a human if ingested
South American Bullfrog (Leptodactylus pentadactylus)
This amphibian is native to Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, and Peru. Covers soil with litter from different ecosystems, such as primary, secondary, and seasonally flooded tropical forests, as well as open areas. It is considered in the category least concern
It is a large frog, measuring between 17.7 and 18.5 cm, the females being larger than the males Therefore, they show sexual dimorphism. Adults are uniform gray or reddish brown, with the presence of dark spots.
It has been reported that this frog produces a large amount of mucous that makes it very difficult for it to be grabbed, furthermore, this substance is irritant to people's skin, eyes and mucous membranes, both by direct and indirect contact. However, a substance known as leptoxin has also been isolated, which is a toxic protein that is lethal if injected.
If you want to know more about Sexual Dimorphism: definition, curiosities and examples
Black-legged Poison Frog (Phyllobates bicolor)
Also known as the Bicolor Poison Frog, it is endemic to Colombia, where it inhabits the leaf litter near lowland streams and pre-mountain areas. It is classified endangered by the IUCN.
Its typical coloration is bright golden yellow, with black legs, although this pattern can vary. The toxicity of this amphibian is quite high, since it is capable of killing a person because it affects the nervous and muscular system.
Harlequin Poison Frog (Oophaga histrionica)
This poisonous amphibian is also endemic to the Colombian region, growing in lowland soils in tropical forests, although it may also be present on logs and litter. It is classified critically endangered by the IUCN.
It is small in size, with dimensions ranging from 2.5 to 3.8 cm It can have different colors such as bright orange or opaque, pale blue, yellow, red, or white, with a black cobweb pattern present over the entire body. This animal produces a toxin capable of killing small animals and even a person if it comes into contact with the bloodstream.
Don't hesitate to take a look at this article on our site about the world's most endangered amphibians: names and photos.
Tinted Poison Frog (Dendrobates tinctorius)
Considered as least concern, this type of poisonous amphibian is native to countries such as Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana and Suriname, where inhabits tropical forest floors.
Generally it measures from 4 to 5 cm, although there are females that reach up to 6 cm. It is bright blue with yellow stripes, additionally, towards the extremities, it can be black or blue with yellow or black spots. Some individuals may also have combinations of white, black, and blue Their toxins can have significant effects on people.
Cane Toad (Rhinella marina)
This species is native to America, although it is currently introduced in other regions. It is of terrestrial habits, but it develops in spaces with vegetal cover and adequate humidity, including urban ones. It is rated least concern
The skin is olive brown with the presence of a large number of warts, the ventral area is usually lighter. The maximum size is about 23 cm, although it usually measures less than this value. This amphibian produces a set of substances known as bufotoxin, which are quite toxic and can cause the death of children and pets if they are ingested
Discover the differences between frogs and toads in this post that we recommend.
Fire salamander (Salamandra salamandra)
This amphibian is native to Europe, where it thrives in various types of habitats such as forests, grasslands, rocky slopes, bushy areas with presence of humidity and river courses. Its classification according to the IUCN corresponds to least concern
It is a large salamander, which measures from 15 to 25 cm, but can eventually reach or exceed 30 cm. The body is black, with yellow or orange patterns. Its color is a warning to predators It has poisonous glands in its body, some of the toxic substances it has are potentially dangerous to people.
Chinese Fire-Bellied Newt (Cynops orientalis)
This amphibian belonging to the Salamandridae family is native to China, developing in different humid and temperate habitats, including forest ponds, mountainous areas and fields. It is listed as least concern
It is a small newt that does not exceed 10 cm, it is usually bright orange, which warns of its toxicity. Although is not usually lethal, in case of consumption of certain amounts of its toxins, it can result in a case of medical importance for people.
Other poisonous amphibians in the world
In addition to those mentioned, there are other amphibians that are toxic to people and animals in general. Such is the case for other species, members of the genus Phyllobates and Dendrobates. However, so far we have only mentioned amphibians from the group of frogs, toads, salamanders and newts but what about caecilians?
Toxic substanceshave also been identified in caecilians, both in the body and in the oral region. In fact, in the ringed caecilian (Siphonops annulatus), a protein was identified that is common in different poisonous animals, such as the rattlesnake. Even so, biochemical studies are lacking to know its effects in detail.